NBA Playoffs 2021: Complete Team Rankings and Performance Analysis

2025-11-17 10:00

Let me be honest with you - as someone who's been analyzing basketball for over a decade, I've never seen an NBA playoffs season quite like 2021. The pandemic had reshaped everything, from condensed schedules to empty arenas, and teams were navigating uncharted waters. I remember thinking how this unusual season would test organizations in ways we hadn't anticipated, and looking back now, the team rankings tell a fascinating story of adaptation and resilience.

The Brooklyn Nets immediately come to mind when I reflect on that postseason. Their offensive firepower was simply breathtaking - Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving formed what I consider one of the most potent scoring trios in recent memory. They finished the regular season with a 48-24 record, good for second in the Eastern Conference, and their offensive rating of 117.3 was just insane to watch. But here's what really stood out to me - their bench contributions from players like Blake Griffin and Jeff Green provided exactly the kind of support stars need in high-pressure situations. I've always believed that championship teams need both superstar talent and reliable role players, and Brooklyn seemed to have that perfect blend until injuries derailed their championship aspirations.

What fascinates me about team chemistry is how it translates across different basketball contexts. I was watching some international basketball around that time and came across Roger Pogoy's comments about TNT's adjustment period after Rondae Hollis-Jefferson joined the team. "Honestly, galing kami sa dalawang conferences na nandun si Rondae, so talagang nag-aadjust din kami," Pogoy remarked, highlighting that universal challenge of integrating new pieces mid-stream. This resonated with me because we saw similar adjustment periods throughout the NBA playoffs - teams that had made significant roster changes earlier in the season often struggled to find their rhythm when it mattered most.

The Phoenix Suns' remarkable run to the Finals perfectly illustrates this point about team cohesion. Chris Paul's arrival transformed them from a promising young team to genuine contenders, but it took time for everything to click. Their defensive rating improved from 112.6 in the previous season to 110.4, and Devin Booker took that crucial leap from star to superstar before our eyes. What impressed me most was how they handled adversity - when Paul missed games with various injuries, other players stepped up in ways I hadn't expected. Cam Payne's emergence as a reliable backup point guard was one of my favorite subplots of the entire playoffs.

Milwaukee's championship victory felt particularly significant to me because it validated their patient team-building approach. Giannis Antetokounmpo's development from a raw athlete into a complete basketball player was incredible to witness, but what really won them the title was their supporting cast. Jrue Holiday's acquisition turned out to be the missing piece, giving them that elite perimeter defender they desperately needed. When I look back at their playoff run, that Game 5 performance against Phoenix where Giannis dropped 32 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists while playing through injury demonstrated the heart of a true champion.

The Utah Jazz finished with the league's best regular season record at 52-20, but their playoff exit in the second round left me wondering about the difference between regular season success and playoff performance. Donovan Mitchell's heroic efforts, playing through that ankle injury, were absolutely inspiring, but their defensive schemes seemed to struggle against small-ball lineups. Rudy Gobert is undoubtedly one of the best defensive centers I've ever seen, but the Clippers exposed some limitations in his ability to defend in space. This reminded me that playoff basketball often requires different strategies than what works during the regular season.

What struck me about the Lakers' early exit was how injuries can derail even the most talented rosters. Anthony Davis' groin injury completely changed their championship defense, and LeBron James looked mortal for perhaps the first time in his playoff career. As much as I admire their talent, basketball remains a team sport where health and timing matter enormously. The Clippers, despite Kawhi Leonard's knee injury, showed remarkable resilience in reaching their first Western Conference Finals, with Paul George silencing many critics including myself who doubted his ability to carry a team in elimination games.

Reflecting on the entire playoff picture, what stands out to me is how teams that prioritized continuity and defensive identity generally performed better than those relying solely on offensive firepower. The Atlanta Hawks' surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals demonstrated how a young team with strong chemistry can outperform more experienced squads. Trae Young's emergence as a bona fide superstar was one of the most exciting developments, and I have to admit I underestimated how quickly they would gel under Nate McMillan's leadership.

The 76ers' second-round exit felt particularly disappointing to me because they had all the pieces for a deep run. Joel Embiid playing through a meniscus tear was courageous, but their offensive execution in crunch time left me frustrated. Ben Simmons' reluctance to shoot became a glaring issue that other teams exploited mercilessly. Sometimes in the playoffs, it's not about adding new strengths but addressing existing weaknesses, and Philadelphia's half-court offense proved their undoing against more disciplined defensive teams.

Looking back, the 2021 NBA playoffs taught me that team success hinges on multiple factors beyond pure talent. Health, chemistry, adaptability, and coaching adjustments all played crucial roles in determining which teams advanced. The champions Milwaukee Bucks exemplified the importance of building around a superstar with complementary pieces that address specific playoff needs. Meanwhile, teams that struggled often failed to adjust to the heightened intensity and strategic nuances of postseason basketball. What remains clear to me is that regular season success provides only partial insight into playoff potential - the real test begins when the stakes are highest and adjustments matter most.